Responsibility of Users and Parents of Minors

Individuals must accept responsibility for determining what is appropriate for themselves. Dougherty County Public Library upholds and affirms the right of each individual to have access to constitutionally protected materials and also affirms the right and responsibility of parents to determine and monitor their childrenís use of library materials and resources. A parent or legal guardian shall supervise their children under the age of 18 years at all times during use of computers to access the Internet unless the parent or guardian has signed a waiver that permits Internet use for children without parental supervision. Parents and guardians who wish to limit or restrict the access of their own children must personally oversee their childrenís use of the Internet and other forms of electronic information. Parents and guardians are encouraged to work closely with their children in the library and particularly on the Internet. Parents are expected to monitor and supervise their childrenís use of the Internet in selecting material that is consistent with personal and family values and is appropriate for the age and understanding of their children. The Library does not and cannot provide this monitoring or supervision. Parents are encouraged to read Librarianís Guide to Cyberspace for Parents & Kids, copies of which are available on the World Wide Web at http://www.ala.org/parentspage/greatsites/guide.html. Minors who visit the library without a parent or guardian are responsible for their own decisions and behavior and will be denied access to the Internet unless a signed waiver is on file.

All users accessing the Internet must read and agree to the terms outlined herein. Children under the age of 18 years must have a parent or legal guardian read and sign this policy prior to Internet access. The parent or guardian must also verify the minorís age. Library staff is available to provide assistance and to help identify age-appropriate Websites for children accessing the Internet.

nternet computers shall not be used for illegal activity, to access illegal materials, or to access materials that by local community standards would be considered obscene. Library employees are authorized to take prompt and appropriate actions to enforce the Rules of Conduct and/or to prohibit use by persons who fail to comply with the Internet and Computer Acceptable Use Policy.